Grant Guidelines

The Harper Court Arts Council (HCAC) supports organizations serving the Hyde Park and Kenwood communities. Grants are made in two focus areas: arts and culture, economic development. Requests must address how the applicant’s activities will benefit the lives of residents within the geographic boundaries of 47th Street to 59th Street and Cottage Grove east to the Lake.

Eligible organizations must meet the following criteria:• A current 501(c)(3) public charity determination letter from the IRS• A three year operating history as a 501(c)(3) subsequent to incorporation• A current audited financial report or 990 Return• A primary business address (no home addresses or P.O. boxes) within the city of Chicago

Priority is given to organizations:• Physically located within the geographic boundaries of Hyde Park and Kenwood; organizations not located in Hyde Park-Kenwood must show a minimum of a three year history of programs or services in the community prior to their request
• A minimum of one paid part-time or full time staff member• Provide educational and cultural programming and services to children, including programming in partnership with Hyde Park-Kenwood area schools [See note about schools below]• Stimulate economic development by promoting local businesses, job opportunities, or community organizations and events• Promote the cultural and economic diversity of Hyde Park-Kenwood• Promote cultural arts originating in the Chicago area, and preferably in Hyde Park-Kenwood

HPAC will not consider requests for:• Activities attempting to influence legislation or to support candidates for public office• Purchase of dinner or raffle tickets or advertising in dinner programs• Research or survey projects• Programs where HCAC is the sole or majority donor of support• Grants to individuals• Subsidies to discount the cost of tickets to performances or admissions to programs• Traveling exhibitions or performances not originating in the City of Chicago

Special Note Regarding Requests from Hyde Park-Kenwood Area Schools:

All school partners must hold 501(c)(3) certification either directly as an organization, through Parents’ or Sustaining boards, or a parent not-for-profit corporation (CPS). Schools deemed to be within the Hyde Park-Kenwood geographic boundaries: Chicago Public Schools - Kenwood Academy, Bret Harte, Kozminski, Murray, Price, Ray, Reavis, Robinson, Shoesmith; Private Schools - Ancona, St. Thomas, Akiba-Schechter, University of Chicago Laboratory Schools